Rackenford and Knowstone Moors | |
---|---|
![]() Looking south-east on Knowstone Outer Moor | |
Location | near Tiverton, Devon |
OS grid | SS 851 211 |
Coordinates | 50°58′40″N 3°38′17″W / 50.97778°N 3.63806°W |
Area | 122 hectares (300 acres) |
Operated by | Devon Wildlife Trust |
Designation |
Site of Special Scientific Interest Special Area of Conservation |
Website |
www |
Rackenford and Knowstone Moors is a nature reserve of the Devon Wildlife Trust, situated about 8 miles (13 km) north-west of Tiverton, in Devon, England. The habitat is culm grassland.
The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest [1] and a Special Area of Conservation. Its area is 122 hectares (300 acres). [2]
Culm grassland is found in poorly drained lowland areas of acidic soil where there is high rainfall. The vegetation includes abundant purple moor grass and sharp-flowered rush. [2] [3]
Over the last century, over 90% of culm grassland has been lost. The remaining parts are mostly in fragmented areas in north Devon; the most extensive fragment is this reserve. The Trust endeavours to protect, re-establish and link together isolated sites of culm grassland. In the reserve there is light grazing by cattle and deer; the low-intensity land management, little changed from prehistoric times, allows a wide diversity of plant species. [2]
In the wetter areas, besides purple moor grass and sharp-flowered rush, species include ragged-robin, meadowsweet and wild angelica; in waterlogged areas there is sphagnum moss and sundew. In dry areas there is saw-wort, thistles and heathers. The plants support many species of butterflies, such as small pearl-bordered fritillary, marbled white and dingy skipper; birds including curlew, snipe and reed bunting may be found. [2]
On Knowstone Inner Moor there is saucer barrow, of the early Bronze Age: it is a mound, diameter 5.7 metres (19 ft) and height up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in), surrounded by a ditch and outer bank. [4]
Rackenford and Knowstone Moors | |
---|---|
![]() Looking south-east on Knowstone Outer Moor | |
Location | near Tiverton, Devon |
OS grid | SS 851 211 |
Coordinates | 50°58′40″N 3°38′17″W / 50.97778°N 3.63806°W |
Area | 122 hectares (300 acres) |
Operated by | Devon Wildlife Trust |
Designation |
Site of Special Scientific Interest Special Area of Conservation |
Website |
www |
Rackenford and Knowstone Moors is a nature reserve of the Devon Wildlife Trust, situated about 8 miles (13 km) north-west of Tiverton, in Devon, England. The habitat is culm grassland.
The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest [1] and a Special Area of Conservation. Its area is 122 hectares (300 acres). [2]
Culm grassland is found in poorly drained lowland areas of acidic soil where there is high rainfall. The vegetation includes abundant purple moor grass and sharp-flowered rush. [2] [3]
Over the last century, over 90% of culm grassland has been lost. The remaining parts are mostly in fragmented areas in north Devon; the most extensive fragment is this reserve. The Trust endeavours to protect, re-establish and link together isolated sites of culm grassland. In the reserve there is light grazing by cattle and deer; the low-intensity land management, little changed from prehistoric times, allows a wide diversity of plant species. [2]
In the wetter areas, besides purple moor grass and sharp-flowered rush, species include ragged-robin, meadowsweet and wild angelica; in waterlogged areas there is sphagnum moss and sundew. In dry areas there is saw-wort, thistles and heathers. The plants support many species of butterflies, such as small pearl-bordered fritillary, marbled white and dingy skipper; birds including curlew, snipe and reed bunting may be found. [2]
On Knowstone Inner Moor there is saucer barrow, of the early Bronze Age: it is a mound, diameter 5.7 metres (19 ft) and height up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in), surrounded by a ditch and outer bank. [4]